What an incredible day of fishing and camaraderie as over 40 veterans and first responders hooked and landed trout, panfish and catfish! 

Military veterans, first responders, Scouts and volunteers from Kinston Veterans Sportsmen Club and Forbes Trail Trout Unlimited celebrated the end of summer with a spectacular day on the water on September 16. 

Unfortunately, the weather was more cooperative than the trout this year. 

Some of the anglers spent Saturday relaxing and reacquainting with friends.  Others took the fishing opportunity more seriously learning how to use a fly rod for the first time and honing their casting skills. 

Veteran Fred Exley expressed, “I really want to get more into fly-fishing next year.  I borrowed this rod this morning but I need to learn to reach out further on the water with it.” 

Steve Shirley from Trout Unlimited was helping Fred with his casting skills, teaching how to transfer the energy from the rod to the shooting line. 

Trout Unlimited teaches fly fishing to veterans as a means to heal the body and soul.

Forbes Trail Chapter of Trout Unlimited began its program in 2018 focusing on military veterans.

 Partnering with Kingston Sportsmen allows ADA access to their lake stocked with trout, lunker catfish and panfish, and easy access to other facilities.

This year, for the first time, they extended the invitation to local first responders. 

“We want to recognize first responders for their brave and dedicated service to the communities where we live”, noted Chapter President, Larry Myers.  

Keith Riffle, Club VP and President of the Veterans Committee recruited many of the veterans by visiting numerous VA medical centers, VFWs and American Legions. 

A veteran himself, Keith explained, “We’ll do whatever it takes to provide a rewarding day on the water for our veterans and first responders.” 

This was the first time many of the veterans and first responders participated in this fishing event.  For others, it was time for reacquaintances. 

The purpose of the program is primarily to introduce veterans and first responders to fly fishing for some R&R. 

But if using a fly rod is not comfortable, mentors assist the veterans using whatever fishing tackle they prefer.  Some veterans have actually built their own fly rods and tied their own flies.   

For retired Army First Sergeant, Cynthia Butler, this was her second event and would like to see more lady veterans get involved with fishing.  Cynthia and several family friends and veterans enjoyed the day, even though the fishing was more challenging this year. 

The water was still a little warm and the bright sun, while welcoming to the anglers, drove the trout deeper in the lake.  Still, every angler said they enjoyed the beautiful fall day and are looking forward to coming back next year. 

As a bonus, everyone enjoyed a delicious picnic lunch and many won raffle prizes of fly rods, autographed books and gift cards. 

Westmoreland County Commissioner Doug Chew was on hand to recognize both military veterans and first responders for their dedicated service to our country and communities.

Other partners were Scout Troops 465 and 305.  The Scouts, as in past events, prepared and served lunch for the crowd of 120 veterans, first responders and volunteers. 

They also opened the event by posting colors and later held a flag retiring ceremony which the veterans appreciated. 

We thank our event sponsors…Home Depot, three local Giant Eagle Supermarkets, Fish USA and Bent Rods Bait and Tackle.

The partner volunteers look forward to the annual event and enjoy the opportunity to, if even for just one day a year, be able to serve those who served their country. 

It was another relaxing and rewarding day on the water for all involved. 

Trout Unlimited salutes our veterans and first responders, and thanks all of our partners and sponsors who made this all happen.

For more information about Forbes Trail Chapter activities, and to view photos of the event, visit the Forbes Trail Trout Unlimited website.

[Posted: September 18, 2023]

9/25/2023